Help me develop our family domain in beautiful Morvan region, France

Details

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  Description

  Salut! I live on an old farm in a beautiful regional park in France. The house and garden were neglected for 20 years before I bought it six years ago. The property is 7000 m² (1.7 acres) and is a mix of wild areas and parts that I’ve tamed, though they always seem to want to escape and explode again. I now live in the house, but there’s still plenty of work to do, ranging from clearing and pruning to rebuilding old stone walls, landscaping, painting, and maintaining the garden.
  
  I’ve been living in the Morvan for ten years and have three young children aged 8, 6, and 3. I also have a dog and a cat who are part of the family.
  
  I’m looking for 1-2 people to help out, starting as soon as possible. The work I need help with right now is both in the garden and the house. In the garden, there’s weeding, pruning, and general maintenance to be done. This year, I’m also planting a vegetable garden, so there’s some preparation work for that. I’m currently building a terrace, and I’d like to construct a piere sèche (dry stone) wall as well.
  
  You’re always welcome to suggest jobs that you notice and would like to do. I love learning from your skills and putting them to good use.
  
  It’s a big plus if you enjoy cooking and are familiar with vegetarian or vegan cooking. I’m vegan, and my kids eat mostly vegetarian meals. We don’t eat meat.
  
  Before the pandemic, I hosted many Workawayers and loved getting to know new people. I’m so grateful for all the work they’ve done. With three small kids, life is busy, and there’s always more to do than I can handle alone. I welcome people of all ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and genders.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I can offer you an insight into two cultures—mostly Dutch, but also French. You’ll experience what it’s like to set up a homestead and live life at a slower pace, which is something I strive for. I’m very intentional about how I live and why I chose to live here. My English is good, I speak Dutch of course, and I’m learning French. My children speak both Dutch and French.
  
  I’m happy to share my skills with you and encourage you to think about how you want to approach a task. I won’t act like a ‘boss’; instead, I’ll work alongside you. A lot of the work I do is figured out on the spot, so there’s room for creativity and flexibility. I’m also happy to share my experiences about living in the countryside, moving to a different country, working remotely, and running your own business.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  My terrain is a diamond in the rough: it has great features but was neglected for 20 years. The help outside mainly involves clearing weeds and bushes, pruning, planting and painting. On rainy days, we might make jam or other preserves if it’s in season. The tasks depend on your physical strength and your interests.
  
  Since I also have a job, I’m only able to work alongside you 2-3 days a week. On the other 2-3 days, you’ll need to undertake the tasks independently. You’ll have days off during the week, as the weekend is when I’m also free to join you in the work.
  
  If you enjoy cooking, I’d love it if you could help out every now and then, sharing recipes and cuisines. Babysitting isn’t required, but it’s a big plus if you’re comfortable with children, as my kids are outgoing and love meeting new people. :)

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  For your accommodation, I have a fire truck that’s been converted into a camper van. You can sleep in the camper or in the roof tent, which offers a great view. The van has heating, water, and electricity, so you’ll have a nice space to yourself. It does need a bit of repair, so if that interests you, you’re welcome to help with that as well.
  
  It’s possible to cook in the van, but I love sharing meals together, so you’re always welcome to join me and the kids for meals. I also have a yurt that I rent out, but if it’s not booked, you’re welcome to stay there instead.

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  What else ...

  The region offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, and there are beautiful lakes where you can swim. There’s also a horse-riding ranch nearby. I live 20 minutes by car from a lovely historical town with restaurants, a cinema, and a weekly market. The town was founded by the Romans, and there are still many historical monuments to explore. Since there’s no public transport, you’ll need a car to get around. I’d also be happy to show you the most beautiful hike in the region.
  
  I cook mostly vegan and vegetarian meals. I’d appreciate it if you’d join me in this. I’m not very strict, but I try to eat as healthily as possible. I focus on fresh produce, simple meals, and limit processed food, sugar, and other unhealthy ingredients.
  
  I work from home most of the time as a full-stack developer, so I’ll be able to assist you with the work. I prefer to give you your days off during the week, as weekends are when I have more time to work alongside you. Wednesdays are our ‘family day,’ when everyone is at home, so I usually keep that day free for family time.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  I have a 1gbit connection and have a great wired and wireless network in the house and the garden. I'm a web developer by trade, so I know my stuff.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a big parking space at the front of the house. Comes with a nice view, electricity and wifi.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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